The Xfinity Series race on Saturday on the track of Darlington will remain poignant for Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR enthusiasts. Especially for the team owner Rick Hendrick. It was the one last time that the No.17 Chevrolet car would be running on the track before transcending into eternity, only to be remembered in the pages of NASCAR’s history. 

A race mired in caution and overtime also witnessed the indomitable performance of Denny Hamlin, as he outlasted the whole field to notch another clinical victory in his annual run in the series. However, amidst all the laughter and mirth, eyes had glistened up for Hendrick Motorsports, as the No.17 was the final tribute to a brave soul, as Kyle Larson piloted it on Saturday.

Kyle Larson delivers one last tribute to an iconic car

For an individual who is not acclimatized to the nuances of motor racing, the car numbers are a symbol of identifying the team member on the track, or for giving instructions. However, for every motorhead, these numbers are an indispensable part of the driver’s legacy. Whether it is the No.3 of Dale Earnhardt or the No.9 of Bill Elliott. These numbers behold the rich tapestry of the drivers and their long haul.

The No.17 that was piloted by Larson on Saturday, also occupies a sanctified position for the longstanding legacy of NASCAR and especially for Hendrick Motorsports. The number was initially associated with Darrell Waltrip who has 84 Cup victories and 3 championships. However, the number holds a pivotal position given the fact that it was more recently driven by Rick Hendrick’s son, Ricky Hendrick, in the Craftsman Truck Series. 

However, Mr H’s son was unable to pilot it any further, as the brave soul passed away in 2004 due to a plane crash. Nonetheless, the paint scheme that was used for the Xfinity race in Darlington also used the same livery that was employed on Ricky Hendrick’s car. 

The news was broken to the world by NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass on his Twitter profile. He jotted down, “Hendrick car for Xfinity race has a sticker on the car with a drawing done by Ricky Hendrick on a chalkboard of a bar the night before he died in the 2004 Hendrick car plane crash. Crew members who worked with Ricky were taking pictures by the car with his scheme today.”

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NASCAR enthusiasts share their condolences

The news surely struck a chord among the fans, as they took the opportunity to send their condolences to the bereaved soul and his family.

Fans commented, “This hits so hard since I have worked at hendrick honda charlotte and work for Hendrick automotive group now. 10-24 -04  means a lot to me every year.”

“RIP Ricky.”

“Oh that’s really touching.”

Others also wrote, “Isn’t that special.”

“Gone but NEVER forgotten.”

Some memories never fade from the hearts of individuals, and this is one such instance. While Ricky Hendrick might not be present physically, his legacy is still remembered and honored. Hope the soul sleeps peacefully in the Lord’s humble abode.

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